BMW proved a point in the Chinese market, they successfully demonstrated that Chinese will buy premium small cars. For the longest time small cars equaled cheap cars in the Chinese pysche, BMW’s introduction of the MINI range, and later the 1-series range through the market on its head. Small cars selling for the same price as mid size sedans were suddenly in vogue and the market only improved as incomes became higher and a new mindset emerged.

BMW introduced the second generation 1-series in late 2011, with a 1.6T engine and also a naturally aspirated version, earlier today BMW also introduced the six cylinder 125i model which is priced in at 370,000RMB.BMW is hoping to play catch up with Audi in 2012, Audi has managed to hold onto a long headway in the Chinese market, largely thanks to its early market entry in comparison to its rivals.